Google soft-launches public comments — Google's Searchology press conference (Techmeme) unveiled a boatload of new features including different ways to visualize results, better support for semantic markup, and more. But when I was looking at the results page, I noticed a little comment icon.

Could this be the hardware spec for Microsoft's Pink phone? — While rumors about what is/isn't part of the next Zunes and “Pink” phones swirl, I figured I'd add a few more tidbits that I've been hoarding. — First up: A list of what may or may not be the final specs for the Windows Mobile 7 Chassis 1.

This just in from Microsoft: No Zune in June — A few hours ago we reported that someone from Microsoft was reportedly tweeting some hints at a possible June release for a new device. We've been speaking with company officials all morning, and there seems to have been a big mix-up.

About the Mac OS X 10.5.7 Update — The 10.5.7 Update is recommended for Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard and includes general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility and security of your Mac. For detailed information about security updates, please visit this website.

Chrome-on-Mac precursor rough but workable — I spent the better part of Monday trying out the Mac OS X version of Chromium, the open-source project on which Google Chrome is based, and I'm favorably impressed. — The software, available for download from the Chromium Web site …

France Approves Crackdown on Internet Piracy — PARIS — The French National Assembly on Tuesday approved a plan by President Nicolas Sarkozy to punish digital pirates with the possible suspension of their Internet connections, a little more than a month after the same body had rejected the proposal in a surprise vote.

Sun's Deal Saga and the Mystery Suitor — Sun Microsystems has offered up some new details about the wrangling before last month's $7.4 billion deal with Oracle. — The blow-by-blow account describes a saga in which various suitors showed interest, backed away and then re-engaged.

In defense of Microsoft's $9 billion research budget — Rupert Goodwins at Cnet makes the case that Microsoft's gigantic R&D budget — Steve Ballmer pegged it at $9 billion this year at his speech in Dallas last week — is more about marketing and prestige than actually creating new products or even developing scientific breakthroughs.

Facebook's Holocaust Controversy — Facebook is under fire for allowing Holocaust denial groups to remain on the site, claiming they don't violate the social network's terms of service — Facebook is under pressure to take a stand on groups that want to use its pages to air views that are at best controversial and at worst hateful.

Be the First to Know with Immediate Notifications — Notifications let you know when people take actions on Facebook related to you, so you can quickly check out a photo you've been tagged in or read a new posting on your Wall. They already are available from your home page …

Ask.com CEO Jim Safka leaving company — SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) — Ask.com Chief Executive Jim Safka is stepping down after roughly 16 months on the job, the company said Tuesday. — “Jim has decided to move on from Ask.com, following the recent passing of his brother which has led …

Hulu, a Victim of Its Own Success? — Hulu, the online TV service launched two years ago by Fox and NBC, has enjoyed incredible success with viewers — too much, it may turn out. — Two weeks ago, comScore's report that Hulu had pulled into the top three streaming video sites was quickly followed …

Madison Avenue and the App Store — There are two new reports this week about how to use Apple's (AAPL) App Store as a marketing medium. — The first, in today's Wall Street Journal, cites several success stories, including Zippo's virtual lighter and Lions Gate's (LGF) Stun-O-Matic.

Nokia halts investment in media-sharing site — HELSINKI (Reuters) - Nokia, the world's biggest cell phone maker, said on Tuesday it would halt investment in its first major Internet service push, a media sharing site, as part of a revamp of its services strategy.

Sky Map for Android - A Mobile Planetarium — I originally heard about Android on my first day at Google. A colleague and I were excited about all of the features that would be present in the platform, such as the GPS, compass, and motion sensors. As astronomy buffs …

Dell undercuts Netbook competitors with the $299 Mini 10v — Dell has released a revamp of its Mini 10 Netbook, that “delivers on value,” says the company. Accordingly, the new product's name is the Dell Mini 10v. Starting at $299, the Mini 10v is a bold shot across the bow of the competition, notably Acer's $349 Aspire One.

Wolfram Alpha gets supercomputer boost — One of my concerns with the public launch of Wolfram Alpha later this month is withstanding the crushing load the Internet can impose. But Wolfram Research revealed Tuesday it's building the service on the world's 66th-fastest supercomputer.